Jumping right in I’d like to address an omission from my first look into this prep class. There are certain profiles that seem to ‘hit’ often in the draft. College bats usually hit more frequently, Prep arms much less so. High school catchers would tend to hit at a fairly low rate. Taking that into consideration, I want to point out that this is a group of prep catchers that I’m very high on. I would be shocked to see any picked near the top 10, but there are quite a few that should be under consideration within the first two rounds. Harry Ford is a freakishly athletic backstop that had an amazing summer. Ian Moller seems to have the best track record of the group, with great polish at the dish. Carter Jensen is a big bodied, local kid with plenty of power. Jayden Melendez is the brother of MJ, similarly talented defensively with strong contact skills from the right side. Rene Lastres is probably my favorite – the more I see, the more I like. Then there are players that get rave reviews like Jackson Baumeister and Joe Mack that some have at the top of their boards. A deep group to keep an eye on for sure.

You hang it we bang it 😘 #1 pic.twitter.com/TgSmQBzzDB

— Harry Ford (@hford_13) February 28, 2021

Izaac Pacheco – IF – Friendswood, TX

Pacheco’s game has been on display on the showcase circuit for a while – the track record is there. He’s got a big bat and plays shortstop but likely will move to a corner infield out corner outfield spot in pro ball. Some of the best raw power in the class. He’s off to a strong start this Spring and if he keeps hitting tanks like in the video below, he could easily hear his name called in the second half of the first round this Summer.

Holy bat speed. Friendswood, Texas 3B Izaac Pacheco hit an absolute nukejob today. His batting is a popular talking point among area scouts. Question moving forward is his defensive position at the next level. #MLBDraft

(🎬@izaacpacheco1) pic.twitter.com/6q4qQHJOV2

— Joe Doyle (@JoeDoyleMiLB) February 28, 2021

James Wood – RF – Olney, MD

Probably going to be a regular occurrence this Spring, but here’s Mr. Wood demolishing another baseball for the best high school team in the country:

I present, James Wood, destroyer of baseballs.

No doubt HR tonight on a 0-2 count at Globe life Field. The IMG Academy slugger is firmly placing himself into top 15 discussions. #MLBDraft pic.twitter.com/CFlZ58nFbe

— Ian Smith (@FlaSmitty) February 26, 2021

Maddux Bruns – LHP – Saraland, AL

Last guy on the list today is only the second prep arm I’ve bothered to discuss so far. He’s not second on my pref list but he’s the only one I could find anything recent on. Bruns popped up this Summer, showing off a big jump in velo, running his fastball up into the upper 90s. The surest of the arsenal needs work but lefties that tease triple digits don’t grow on trees.